Sony Xperia // be moved.

I never get tired of seeing this ad, it's a splendour for the eye.

The pace and storytelling is gorgeous; a range of old devices and usage occasions all woven into what feels like one continuous narrative. It demonstrates that in order to be good, an ad doesn't need to be particularly clever, just logical and really well executed.

Will it win any awards? Probably not. However, it has created a favourable brand impression for me; Sony you've 'moved me' to believe (or rather, reminded me) that you are reputable, resilient and culturally and historically experienced.

A reminder that an inspiring and relevant sound track alongside the visual is extremely powerful in setting the tone of the ad.

Well done, I'm a believer.

McDonald's // what is it with kids and boxes?

McDonald's always amaze me with their ability to pull out the occasional brilliant ad amongst the mass of everyday promotional advertising.

The connection drawn in this ad is so simple, yet so wonderful. Kids love boxes; they invoke memories of being fun, stimulating and full of imagination. As well as being popular with kids, every mum remembers what fun the simple things were when they were a kid too. 

It's a winner; as an idea, it resonates.

Well done McDonald's for this lovely execution.

Coca-Cola // keeping it fresh with 'Project Re-Brief'.

Love the thought behind this campaign; the transcendence of past into present. The original Coke ad, which aired in the US in 1971 is an iconic advertisement from this period. It features what were at the time new and growing trends of globalisation and connectivity. It tapped into the spirit of sharing and the act of coming together in a way that really resonated with its audience. The theme song itself describes how "I'd like to teach the world... to sing with me... in perfect harmony... I'd like to buy the world a coke."

The new mobile app Coke have released enables people to send a free coke to a number of locations across the world, thanks to specially designed dispenser machines. You can personalise your message and watch the reaction of the recipient as they receive your free Coke. A clever idea that certainly makes the most of modern digital technologies, while extending the spirit of the original ad.

You can view a demo of the mechanics of the campaign via the video below.

A clever idea, but will it take off?

Personally, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the recent 'Share A Coke' campaign we had in Australia. Coke bottles and cans were labelled with people's names or those you would use to address your friends. "John", "Buddy", "Champ" and many more, featured across bottles and cans; the variations were immense. It was hard not to feel involved with the brand as we searched hopefully for our own names or those of our friends.